More People Join in Lawsuit Against Union Pacific on Train Wreck in Midland

More people are joining a lawsuit related to a deadly collision in Midland.

A Union Pacific train collided with a parade float carrying veterans and their wives on November 15th, resulting in the death of four people and the injury of many of the 24 people on the float.

Those killed in the collision were Army Sgt. Joshua Michael, Army Sgt. William Lubbers, Marine Chief Warrant Officer Gary Stouffer, and Army Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Boivin.

Sixteen people were also injured during the calamity.

More plaintiffs were added to the lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad and Smith Industries.

The law offices of Glasheen, Valles, & Inderman announced the additions in a press release Wednesday, and noted that four more couples that were on the train and the family of Joshua Michael have been added to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that the Railroad was the primary cause of the collision, because the crossing gave a short warning time. Smith Industries is also named in the lawsuit, as they owned the truck and employed the person who was driving the float in the parade.

The railroad has also filed a cross-claim against Smith Industries, saying that if Union Pacific is to be held responsible for any damages, then Smith Industries should also be required to contribute toward any compensation awarded.

The trial has been set for the week of April 14th, 2014.

A separate suit has also been filed on behalf of the families of Stouffer and Boivin in Dallas, but Union Pacific has petitioned the court to transfer the case to Midland.